Newcastle United’s Jamal Lewis has been on loan at São Paulo since the summer and the Brazilian club have an option to make his stay permanent.
The Norther Ireland international suffered an ankle injury while in action with the national team last month and hasn’t made an appearance for São Paulo since then.
According to UOL, the left-back’s stay at the Brazilian club could be cut short in the winter market.
As a part of the loan agreement, there are clauses that allow Newcastle to recall him and for São Paulo to terminate his deal in January.
The report states the 26-year-old could return to the Tyneside club if he has to undergo a surgery for an ankle problem. In that event, the South American club will look for a new left-back in the winter market
São Paulo sporting director Carlos Belmonte has told UOL about the possibility of Lewis returning to Newcastle as early as next month. He has also stated FC Porto’s Wendell is their “dream” target.
“The position is the board’s priority in the transfer market, and the dream is Wendell, from Porto. However, if the Portuguese club demands financial compensation, São Paulo will be in a complicated position in the deal,” he said.
“Jamal might not be [a São Paulo player in 2025].”
“We have a clause in his contract – Newcastle could call him up at the start of the season, and we could return him. Our relationship with Newcastle is exceptional. […] He’s got an ankle problem and we’re making an assessment. It’s already been agreed with Newcastle: if he has to have surgery, he’ll go back for the surgery and the recovery process in England.”
